English as a Foreign Language (EFL) & Business Communications
Ballsbridge College has been providing a course in English as a Foreign Language for over fourteen years. During this time the course has expanded to facilitate students with differing levels of English and has become an integral part of the college. It attracts students from all over the world and from many different cultures and backgrounds.
| Award Name | Level 5 Certificate (Level 5 NFQ) |
|---|---|
| NFQ Classification | Major |
| Awarding Body | QQI |
| NFQ Level | Level 5 NFQ |
| Award Name | FCE First Certificate in English |
| NFQ Classification | |
| Awarding Body | Cambridge ESOL |
| NFQ Level | |
| Award Name | CAE Certificate in Advanced English |
| NFQ Classification | |
| Awarding Body | Cambridge ESOL |
| NFQ Level | |
| Award Name | CPE Certificate of Proficiency in English |
| NFQ Classification | |
| Awarding Body | Cambridge ESOL |
| NFQ Level | |
| Award Name | BEC Business English Certificates |
| NFQ Classification | |
| Awarding Body | Cambridge ESOL |
| NFQ Level |
| Award Name | NFQ Classification | Awarding Body | NFQ Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level 5 Certificate (Level 5 NFQ) | Major | QQI | Level 5 NFQ |
| FCE First Certificate in English | Cambridge ESOL | ||
| CAE Certificate in Advanced English | Cambridge ESOL | ||
| CPE Certificate of Proficiency in English | Cambridge ESOL | ||
| BEC Business English Certificates | Cambridge ESOL |
Duration
1 year full-time.
Entry Requirements
Applicants must have at least a lower intermediate standard of English to facilitate learning through the medium of English.
Applicants will be required to take an assessment to determine their level of competence in English so that they can be placed in a class most appropriate for them.
Applicants are also required to complete a course application form available from the college.
All applicants must have fully complied with any necessary residence requirements pertaining at the time of application.
The International Students Information Document available from the college gives further details.
Careers / Further progression
Higher Education Links
A significant number of students use this course as a foundation English Language course before continuing to further courses at degree and post-graduate level.
Examples of Progression to Higher Education:
Full-time Courses:
- Graduates may use their qualifications to apply for a place in a variety of Higher Education Institutions. For information on all relevant Higher Education Links visit www.qqi.ie (QQI), the Central Applications Office (CAO) and the websites of the relevant higher education institutions. Intending applicants are advised at all times to confirm linked awards, any additional module requirements, application processes and scoring systems with the Admissions Offices of the participating Higher Education Institutions or visit the CAO website.
- South East Technology University (SETU) – Ballsbridge College has a progression agreement with SETU linking this course’s QQI award (5M2102) to a range of WIT degrees.
Please see https://www.wit.ie/future_students/fe_progression/further-education-progression-scheme
Further information
The registration fee for courses is €100 for 2026/2027. Please note that some courses may require additional payments.
Grants are available to eligible students. Eligibility depends on individual financial circumstances and a grant must be applied for, through Student Universal Service Ireland (SUSI), see www.susi.ie.
Ballsbridge College has been providing a course in English as a Foreign Language for over twenty years. During this time the course has expanded to facilitate students with differing levels of English and has become an integral part of the college. It attracts students from all over the world and from many different cultures and backgrounds. All the students have the desire to learn English in a dynamic environment, on a course that combines English language with the study of business and computers. Many students have used these qualifications to help them secure employment here in Ireland.
English as a Second Language
Business Administration
Communications
Marketing Practice
Spreadsheets
Work Experience
Word Processing
Intercultural Studies
Internet
Disclaimer: The college reserves the right to make any alterations to any programme as might be required. Where there is insufficient enrolment a course may be cancelled.
5M2102 - Business Studies
Course Details
QQI Certificate in Business Studies (5M2102 ) – NFQ Level 5
Certification Awarding Body: QQI
Award Title: Certificate in Business Studies
Award Code: 5M2102
Level: 5 – Further Education & Training
Please note the above course descriptor is subject to change.
University of Cambridge Awards*
First Certificate in English
Certificate in Advanced English
Certificate in Proficiency
Cambridge Business English Certificates
Students are entered for the certificate most appropriate to their level of English.
* There will be an additional charge to cover exam entry for students taking these exams.
City of Dublin FET College Ballsbridge Campus
Shelbourne Road,
Ballsbridge,
Dublin 4,
Ireland D04 R201
e: info@ballsbridge.cdetb.ie
t: 01 668 4806